WAVES OF NAUSEA washed over Jessica. She opened her eyes. Oh Jesus, I’m going to be sick. Shivering uncontrollably, she clamped a clammy hand over her mouth and bolted to the lavatory, securing the lock. She gripped the handicap bars in the tiny enclosure and squeezed her eyes shut. Her head was spinning and seconds later, her stomach revolted. What the hell is wrong with me?

Jessica held onto the wall for dear life, her head pounding and legs shaky. She gagged again, her eyes welling with tears. Something’s happening to me? What if… oh God, am I getting worse? Maybe the tests missed something. What the hell am I going to do?

A few deep breaths controlled the uneasiness in the pit of her belly, at least momentarily. She splashed some cold water onto her face and patted it dry, tears streaming down her cheeks.

The flight was pure torture. Ever since takeoff, she’d been sick to her stomach, her body temperature alternating between freezing cold and scorching hot. Sleep finally won out but she woke up feeling worse, if that was even possible.

Jessica let out a ragged breath and slowly made her way back to the seat. Thank God nobody is sitting next to me. She sank into the chair and pulled the blanket up to her chin, still shivering. One of the flight attendants stopped in front of her and placed a concerned hand on her shoulder. “Sweetie, are you okay?”

Jessica sniffed and shook her head. “No,” she croaked. “I’m not okay at all. In fact, I’m in pretty crappy shape.”

The flight attendant leaned in and stroked her hair. “Can I get you something? Tell me what you need.”

Jessica’s teeth chattered. “I have multiple sclerosis and I’m so ill right now. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, if it’s related to the MS or something different. I’m so s-scared.”

“Are you traveling alone?” The flight attendant furrowed her brow. “Do you have any medication?”

“No, I haven’t taken anything today. And y-yes, I’m alone.” Jessica wiped her eyes and shuddered as a chill ran through her. “I just found out that things have gotten w-worse with my symptoms and I don’t know what’s h-happening.” She wrung her hands. “I think I need a doctor.”

The flight attendant nodded. “Of course, sweetie.” She waved over one of the other attendants and spoke in hushed tones. “Can you radio the terminal? Make sure they have EMTs on standby for a young lady, late twenties with MS.” She looked at her watch. “Tell them we’ll be on the ground in about half an hour, okay?”

She turned back to Jessica with a sympathetic smile. “Why don’t I just sit with you until we land? Is that okay? You don’t need to talk to me. I’ll just be here in case you need anything.”

Jessica smiled through her tears. “Th-thank you so much.” She sniffed and clutched an airsickness bag just in case. “I hope I’m not taking you away from anything.”

The flight attendant waved her hand to dismiss the idea. “Oh, they’re fine without me. We spend the last bit of the flight winding down, so all the heavy lifting is already done.”

Jessica managed a smile and closed her eyes, feeling the nausea threaten to send her stomach into upheaval once again.

“You look a little green. Do you need me to help you to the lavatory?”

Taking a deep breath, Jessica shook her head. “I’m good.” Her eyes welled up. “No, I’m not good at all,” she whispered.

“Oh you poor thing.” The attendant patted her hand. “Are you meeting someone at the airport when we land? Is your family out here?”

Tears spilled over. “I’m here on business. And no, there isn’t anyone. Not anymore.” She sniffed.

The attendant flashed a sympathetic smile. “A guy?”

Jessica nodded. “Yeah.”

“Well, I can’t imagine how anyone in his right mind would let a beauty like you get away.”

“Yeah, some beauty. I’m a complete disaster.” Jessica snorted and pushed her hair back.

“Bad breakup?”

“Yes.” She wiped her eyes again. “It’s my own fault. I should have been more careful. They all say they’ll never leave, but…” She coughed and shook her head. “Whatever. I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself.”

“I’m sure you can.” She gave Jessica’s hand a squeeze. “It’s entirely his loss.”

Jessica settled her aching head back into the seat cushion. The chills were back with a vengeance and she huddled under the blanket, berating herself for even thinking about James. You don’t need him! You can handle this on your own because you’re strong. Don’t be afraid.

But despite all of her attempts at positive reinforcement, the reality of his rejection still ripped her apart.

He doesn’t want me anymore. He promised he’d never leave and he lied. He never loved me at all.